Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Friendly offers homeowners some beautiful living options. However, unexpected repair and replacement costs on your home’s systems and appliances can get quite pricey. A home warranty can bring you the peace of mind you need and guard your savings account from unexpected expenses by covering your home’s major appliances and systems.
Finding the best home warranty on the market can be time-consuming, since there are lots of companies to decide between. That’s why the Today's Homeowner team did the research and put together a list of the top home warranty companies in Friendly for you.
Very highly rated among customer service reviews
Covers repairs with a 60-day workmanship guarantee
Extensive list of 20+ add-on coverages
Easy claims process
Won’t cover known or unknown pre-existing conditions
In Friendly, Liberty Home Guard is the most trustworthy home warranty. Liberty has around 6 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 3 home warranty plans that Liberty offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Liberty, you can enjoy a seamless complaint process and guaranteed service professionalism upon every repair visit. Not to mention, it has a 60-day workmanship guarantee and some of the best customer service in the industry.
The plans that Liberty offers to homeowners are Appliance Guard, Systems Guard, and Total Home Guard. Liberty’s service fees are an affordable $75, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our Liberty Home Guard Review. To receive a free quote from Liberty Home Guard, you can fill out this online form or call 866-451-2281.
Appliance Guard
Systems Guard
Total Home Guard
Over 10 years of experience
24/7 customer service team
Home inspections aren’t required
90-day repair guarantee
Plans aren’t customizable
Customers can’t choose their own contractor
Not available in washington
In Friendly, Choice Home Warranty is the best overall home warranty. Choice has around 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 2 home warranty plans that Choice offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Choice, you can enjoy very high coverage caps and simple-to-understand service contracts. Not to mention, it has great customer service, professional contractors, and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to other home warranties.
The plans that Choice offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Total Plan. Choice’s service fees are an affordable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $3,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our Choice Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Choice Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 929-400-6164.
Basic Plan
Total Plan
Low service fees compared to other home warranty providers
Two months of free coverage
Has an appliance-only, systems-only, and combo plan option
90-day repair guarantee
Has a $75 cancellation fee
Low coverage caps
In Friendly, Select Home Warranty is the most cost-effective home warranty. Select has around 11 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 3 home warranty plans that Select offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Select, you can enjoy a highly affordable service fee and free roof coverage upon purchase of a policy plan. Not to mention, it has an extensive network of highly trained professionals all over the country who are experts in home maintenance.
The plans that Select offers to homeowners are Bronze Care Plan, Gold Care Plan, and Platinum Care Plan. Select’s service fees are a reasonable $60, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our Select Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from Select Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 888-370-3953.
Bronze Care Plan
Gold Care Plan
Platinum Care Plan
The oldest and most trusted company in the industry
Allows customers to build their own plans
Ability to choose the service fee you want to pay
Broad coverage on up to 33 appliances and systems
Doesn’t let customers choose their own technician
Doesn’t provide coverage in alaska
In Friendly, American Home Shield is the most customizable home warranty. AHS has around 26 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 3 home warranty plans that AHS offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from AHS, you can enjoy the ability to customize your plan with the coverages that work specifically for your home. Not to mention, it has a remarkably low claim denial rate in comparison to other home warranty companies.
The plans that AHS offers to homeowners are ShieldSilver, ShieldGold, and ShieldPlatinum. AHS’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $125, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,500 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our American Home Shield Review. To receive a free quote from American Home Shield, you can fill out this online form or call 888-365-2839.
ShieldSilver
ShieldGold
ShieldPlatinum
Established company with a bbb accreditation
Doesn’t have a coverage cap on heating, cooling, or ductwork
24/7 service calls available
Offers replacement of some covered items that are too damaged to repair
Doesn’t let customers choose their own contractor
According to some customer reviews, the technical jargon in contracts is confusing
In Friendly, First American Home Warranty is the best home warranty for appliance coverage. First American has around 39 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 2 home warranty plans that First American offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from First American, you can enjoy very affordable and comprehensive appliance coverage. Not to mention, it has a unique add-on alongside common ones called the First Class Upgrade, which covers fees associated with the use of lifting equipment, up to $250 per local building permits, haul away services, and appliances and systems that have been insufficiently installed or modified.
The plans that First American offers to homeowners are Basic Plan and Premier Plan. First American’s service fees are a reasonable $85, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,500 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our First American Home Warranty Review. To receive a free quote from First American Home Warranty, you can fill out this online form or call 833-204-7164.
Basic Plan
Premier Plan
Offers home insurance deductible of $500
Extra long 180-day workmanship guarantee
Offers free cancellation in the first 30 days
Charges high service fees of $75-$150
Doesn’t allow customers to choose their own technician
Isn’t available in hawaii or alaska
In Friendly, Cinch Home Services is the home warranty with the best workmanship guarantee. Cinch has around 44 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 3 home warranty plans that Cinch offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from Cinch, you can enjoy a 180-day workmanship guarantee that ensures your home systems and appliance repairs will be professionally done. Not to mention, it has a broad range of coverage options that will give homeowners peace of mind.
The plans that Cinch offers to homeowners are Appliances Plan, Built-in Systems Plan, and Complete Home Plan. Cinch’s service fees are customizable and range from $75 to $150, and the coverage limits come out to around $1,000-$2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our Cinch Home Services Review. To receive a free quote from Cinch Home Services, you can fill out this online form or call 877-589-0505.
Appliances Plan
Built-in Systems Plan
Complete Home Plan
Policy starts in ten days
24/7 customer service support
Generous coverage caps on important systems and appliances
30-labor guarantee and 90-day parts guarantee
Offers utility and home service outside line coverage
Higher service fee of $95
Not accredited by the better business bureau (bbb)
Only 2 plan options
In Friendly, The Home Service Club is the best home warranty with the quickest service. HSC has around 15 years of experience in the home warranty market and in that time has built a a skilled network of service professionals in the country. The 2 home warranty plans that HSC offers include differing levels of system and appliance coverage, as well as add-on options. With a home warranty from HSC, you can enjoy quick coverage where the home warranty goes into effect just ten days after you pay for the plan, instead of the typical 30 days. Not to mention, it has customer service representatives available 24/7, as well as a 30-day labor guarantee and a 90-day parts guarantee.
The plans that HSC offers to homeowners are Standard Coverage Plan and Comprehensive Coverage Plan. HSC’s service fees are customizable and range from $65 to $90, and the coverage limits come out to around $2,000 for each covered system or appliance.
For more information on this provider, read our The Home Service Club Review. To receive a free quote from The Home Service Club, you can fill out this online form or call 800-750-9443.
Standard Coverage Plan
Comprehensive Coverage Plan
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on home warranty companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
| Home Appliance | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $6,769 |
| Heating | $4,512 |
| Electrical | $677 |
| Toilets | $564 |
| Washer/Dryer | $902 |
| Plumbing | $677 |
| Oven | $1,805 |
| Fridge | $677 |
A home warranty is a protection plan that helps reduce the high costs for Friendly homeowners needing appliance and system repairs. These plans provide coverage to fix or swap out appliances and systems that break due to normal wear and tear.
Homeowners submit a claim and pay a service fee when something breaks. The home warranty provider then finds a contractor to make the repair or replacement. The only time you may pay out-of-pocket is if the repair or replacement costs go over the item's coverage limit. A home warranty policy gives homeowners a sense of security and can help avoid costly emergency repairs. They can be especially helpful for buyers of older homes or homes with appliances near the end of their life span. However, newer homes with modern appliances and fixtures may not need a home warranty.
Home warranties cover many household systems and appliances. Covered appliances typically include dryers, microwaves, garbage disposals, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and more. Covered systems include electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, and heating. Many home warranty companies also offer additional coverage for central vacuums, locksmiths, roof leaks, and septic systems. Friendly homeowners should know that most home warranty plans begin with a 30-day waiting period before repairs are covered. Additionally, most policies only cover the cost of repairs and replacements due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't include natural disasters, cosmetic issues, pre-existing conditions, or misusing a system or appliance. Make sure to keep up with preventative maintenance to help make sure your next repair or replacement is covered.
There are several home warranty terms to know before signing an agreement, including:
When you're deciding on a home warranty provider, there are several key things to take into account:
Home warranties differ greatly in the items covered. Basic plans typically cover plumbing, heating, electrical, AC, and appliances, while more comprehensive plans may also cover pools, well pumps, spas, and roof leaks. Focus on companies with broad coverage options including upgraded plans. Flexibility like this will help you customize protection for your needs.
You'll pay a standard service fee of around $60 to $100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These fees to accumulate quickly with each claim, so you may seek out companies advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain providers may eliminate deductibles when a homeowner submits no claims in a defined period.
A home warranty provider's reputation can provide insight into things such as repair timeliness, contractor quality, approval rates, and customer service. Use review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or TrustPilot to research providers. Positive ratings and feedback indicate a company known for great service.
Home warranty companies keep networks of local professionals to handle repairs in your area. Reach out to potential providers to find out how many repair professionals they have in Friendly and get an idea for how fast your repairs could take place in an emergency situation. Larger networks increase the chances of getting qualified contractors to promptly service your home.
Some home warranty providers include extras such as smart home device protection, maintenance discounts, and energy efficiency upgrades. These add value beyond just repair coverage. Extra bonuses maximize the usefulness of the home warranty.
Home warranty plans are a great way to guard your home systems and appliances from normal wear and tear. With temperatures in Friendly hitting an average high of 63℃F, you may find that some appliances, like your air conditioner, get a lot of use. A home warranty can considerably decrease out-of-pocket costs should your HVAC system stop working.
On top of saving you money on out-of-pocket expenses, a home warranty can give you peace of mind and save you the hassle of trying to find a qualified contractor to visit your home. Home warranties usually have a network of pre-vetted contractors who can handle any repair problems you may have. Plus, having a home warranty can make your house more appealing to potential homebuyers if you ever decide to sell in the future. Many home warranty companies will allow you to transfer your policy to a new owner and give them the same protection you’ve been benefiting from.
One downside of purchasing a home warranty is that there are usually exclusions. For instance, if one of your appliances already has a manufacturer's warranty, it may not be covered under the home warranty, so it’s important to read over the contracts you’re considering thoroughly to get a sense of what is included and what isn’t.
Another drawback is that home warranties may not include some repairs, such as those needed because of natural disasters. For example, if your house floods, the impacted systems and appliances probably won’t be covered by the home warranty.
A home warranty in Friendly can cost between $30 and $60 a month. The higher-priced plans tend to have a lower service fee, higher coverage limits, and broader coverage. Home warranties are often cheaper when you pay annually instead of monthly. Some companies will also decrease your up-front costs when you agree to a higher service fee.
Home warranties and home insurance differ in what types of damage they cover. Home warranty plans cover problems related to systems and appliances that need repairs or replacements due to normal wear and tear. A home insurance policy is a larger plan that protects an entire home from natural disasters, which can sometimes be a concern in Friendly. It doesn't cover a normal appliance or system repairs.
Homebuyers, landlords, homeowners, real estate agents, and home sellers can all get home warranty plans. A home warranty can help make your property more appealing to prospective buyers and save you money in the long run.
The different kinds of home warranties in Friendly include plans that cover either appliances or systems as well as combination plans. A combination plan covers your home systems and appliances, such as your refrigerator, washing machine, and plumbing. An appliance or system plan will cover only the specific items listed in the contract.
Generally, a home warranty policy offers coverage for a year and can be renewed yearly. Some companies may offer month-to-month options.
Generally, the homeowner is the one who pays the premium and service fees. However, if you have just bought a new home, sometimes the seller will pay for the policy. This can then be given to the new homeowner, who will pay the service fees. In Friendly, where the median value of a home is $490,844, having the seller pay for the home warranty can be a good asset for your new home.
